Open Letter to WInnetka from Penny Lanphier

Community Contributor YourWinnetka

Dear Neighbor:

I'm Penny Lanphier, Caucus Candidate for Village Trustee. I don't recognize many of our positions in much of the recent publicity. Our goal in this election was to have a positive conversation about Winnetka's future. I want to cut through the last minute fuss, and speak directly about why I'm running.

It is an honor to be slated with Chris Rintz and Louise Holland. Both are accomplished individuals, with expertise in commercial development and municipal government.

• Our motivation is singular: Effective government. Good process results in good policy. We must involve you, the resident, early and often. It is YOUR village and YOUR tax dollars.

• Chris and Louise are honest and direct. The three of us have different viewpoints, but our number one priority has ALWAYS been seeking collaboration and earning the public trust.

• We agree - "paralysis by analysis" is no good, but we do need the time to make the right decision.

• Hats off to the Independent Candidates for all their hard work, passion and willingness to serve. They have campaigned on important perspectives that any future Council needs to consider.

One WinnetkaIt is a welcome proposal. The Fell site sorely needs to be redeveloped.

My questions about One Winnetka do NOT equate to opposition. Rather, it was to insure the relevant Village standards were discussed, so the interests of all neighboring properties as well as the entire community would be thoroughly considered.

• The public parking garage is an interesting opportunity presented by One Winnetka, with potential design and engineering synergy. But as $7 million tax dollars will be required, the Village's responsibility is to independently assess the cost/benefit proposal.

• Through the review process, the developer has changed One Winnetka's design to better fit the character and context of Winnetka's downtown. The Village Council needs to address the specific concerns raised by the Plan Commission, Zoning Board and Design Review Board to best enhance the Elm Street business area and neighboring residential properties.

Due diligence is an imperative responsibility of Council members on behalf of YOU, our constituents.

Downtown Redevelopment It is on everybody's mind. Times have changed. Business has changed. We bank and shop and write letters over the internet. Superstores have a competitive advantage. Winnetka's commercial base has changed - but what is it going to be?

We want to make downtown Winnetka relevant again. Yes - shops, restaurants, professional services. But downtown Winnetka needs to be a unique environment to become a destination. BUILDING COMMUNITY is the core concept in generating vitality, to draw in our residents and visitors.

Storm Water Management: It is a top priority. Strand and Associates are pursuing several options, heading west. Residents and the Council together need to assess the possibilities, considering effectiveness, cost, environmental impact.

Digging into information and double-checking assumptions. Being sure of taxpayer support before deciding. That is GOOD GOVERNMENT.Please remember to vote by March 15, for whomever you support. Thank you for your consideration and civic participation.

Respectfully yours, Penny Lanphier

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